Blending using brush pens is a great way to add more color to your artwork and lettering. It adds just a bit more dimension and lets you get creative with your projects. But how can you blend well without fraying your brushes? And how is it possible to get such a seamless-looking blend from one color to another? Here, we’ll show you a few techniques to get your dual brush pens to blend beautifully.
Use a palette
A palette is one of the easiest ways to blend different colors together when using dual brush pens. The palette can be anything that is water resistant, so laminated cards, plastic palettes, glass, or even a plastic bag if you don’t have any of the other options. Simply scribble one color on your chosen surface, then use a brush pen of another color to pick up that ink and start lettering or shading.
While this method is very simple, it does not give you that much control over your blending. You may also have to wait for the ink to wear off before you can use your pen again.
Mix inks directly from one pen to another
This technique is essentially the same as the first but can be done without a blending palette. All you need are two brush pen colors you want to blend together. Hold the lighter-colored brush pen in one hand and, using the darker-colored pen, draw onto the tip so that the colors blend together. This will stain the lighter-colored pen and allow you to letter with blended colors.
Some people hesitate to do this because they fear it will stain their pens permanently. With continuous use, your dual brush pen will return to its solid color.
Use a clear blending pen
For this technique, you can use two different colored pens with the addition of a clear blending pen. Using your blending palette or any of the water-resistant surfaces mentioned above, put down one color in one spot and the other in a separate area. Using your clear blending pen, take a bit of each color and start lettering or coloring as usual. This is a great way to get subtler colors since the colors won’t be as intense. Similar to the second technique, your blending pen will stain, but the color will come off if you keep writing with it.
Use watercolor paper and brushes
Watercolor paper and brushes can help you get the most blend from your dual brush pens. It is important to note that watercolor paper can be hard on your brush pens, so be sure to use paper for brush pens that are smooth and have high water resistance.
Start by first writing your entire word or coloring your surface using a lighter color. Take the darker brush pen and apply it to the bottom or in the next section. Dip your paintbrush in water and start to blend where the colors meet together.
The bottom line
And there you have it! Blending brush pen colors isn’t as difficult as it seems. Whether using watercolor paper and brushes or a clear blending pen, you can achieve stunning results with just a few simple tools and techniques.
Happy writing and coloring!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
